Today, we are bringing you the Sustainability Champions. These are Future Leaders who have been nominated for their outstanding contributions to sustainable design within the cruise ship interior design community. Our Sustainability Champions are:
- Fabiana Vale Dornelas, Senior Interior Architect, YSA Design
- Patrick Ostheimer, Owner, POI Design
Fabiana is the Head of Sustainability & Implementation at YSA Design, championing change within the company as part of a new department focused on driving sustainable design. Patrick is the winner of the 2023 Most Sustainable Interior award at Cruise Ship Interiors Awards
Future Sustainability
We asked our Sustainability Champions to predict a future for sustainable cruise ship interior design, being as ambitious or as realistic as they would like. We wanted to know changes were taking place now, what needs to happen and the end destination for sustainable design. Fabiana pointed to the ways cruise brands had already collaborated with design studios and suppliers to improve the sustainable environment on board. She said, ‘From using recycled materials and incorporating nature-inspired designs to implementing energy-saving lights and air systems, these ships are leading the way in environmental responsibility.
Efficient fixtures help conserve water, while recycling programs reduce waste on board.’
Patrick looked to the future and a way to design with circularity in mind. He said, ‘Future cruise ship design and of course, the interior design, should incorporate environmentally friendly materials and focus on materials that are recyclable, such as biodegradable base materials. Modular furnishings and the circular approach allow rooms to be flexibly redesigned and adapted to passenger requirements – which in turn also means that interior spaces are used more efficiently and the service life of furnishings is extended.’
Changing our present
One of the strongest messages arising from any conversation surrounding sustainability at CSI, or SDS, is that the industry is full of passionate advocates for sustainable design. They want to help lead the change so needed in the industry. Their companies and many design studios and suppliers like them are ready to make the change. Their question – how do we get started.
We discussed this dilemma with Fabiana and Patrick, asking them how they thought their peers could help lead the charge for change within sustainable interior design. Patrick recommended upskilling your workforce and creating a culture where everyone felt welcome to suggest new ideas. He said, ‘Sustainable design and its impact on the environment can be communicated directly through training, workshops and internal communication channels. Traditional ways need to be reconsidered and new paths taken – this requires innovative ideas and solutions… Create synergies and develop holistic solutions in terms of sustainability – consider different angles and perspectives and utilize the expertise of the individual; all of this can lead to innovative and effective solutions.
Fabiana agrees that peer-led change can be extremely effective in driving change within a company. She recommended that designers inspired to make a change sought support from their colleagues and made a point of collaborating across departments. She said, ‘Peers play a vital role in fostering sustainable design within their companies. By advocating for eco-conscious practices and actively participating in initiatives, they can make a tangible difference. This involves educating colleagues, collaborating across departments, participating in green teams, promoting continuous improvement, staying informed and celebrating successes.’
Sustainable Leadership
Our Sustainability Champions have been nominated for their work in driving change. But they are also known by their colleagues to be a leader who inspires. We tapped into their knowledge and experience of leadership to learn what attributes they thought made an effective leader.
Fabiana felt that good leadership sprung from good communication and giving weight to the perspective of every member of the team. She said, ‘Good leadership means inspiring and empowering others, fostering a supportive environment where everyone’s contributions are valued. A good leader leads by example, showing integrity, authenticity, and accountability.
They prioritize clear communication, listen to diverse perspectives, and make informed, empathetic choices. Good leadership encourages continuous learning, innovation, and adaptability. Ultimately, a good leader serves their team with humility, empathy, and a commitment to excellence, driving positive change and achieving success together.’
Patrick also recommended investing in the members of your team. He said, ‘For me, good leadership means inspiring, supporting and empowering people to develop their full potential and achieve common goals… Empathy is crucial in order to understand the needs and perspectives of team members and to be able to respond appropriately. Good managers invest in the development of their employees by giving them feedback, challenging and encouraging them and offering opportunities for professional development. They recognize and use the strengths and the diversity of each individual to strengthen the team as a whole.’
You can find out more about the Future Leader programme and this year’s Future Leaders here. Attend CSI at Miami Beach Convention Center and meet many of the Future Leaders. Or, look out for more interviews, articles and brand q&as here and over at CSI+.
Want more of this?
Check out the Cruise Ship Interiors (CSI) Design Expo Americas blog for more design insights and the latest industry updates. CSI Design Expo Americas is the world’s only exhibition and conference exclusively dedicated to connecting the buyers and suppliers of the cruise design industry. The next event will be taking place on 3 – 4 June 2025 alongside Hotel & Resort Design South and Cruise Xperience Innovation Summit at the Miami Beach Convention Center.